New Delhi, India – Over the years, Diljit Dosanjh has firmly established himself as one of the most influential and beloved figures in South Asian entertainment. With a career spanning blockbuster Punjabi films, chart-topping music albums, and standout international performances, Dosanjh has earned acclaim not just in India but across the global South Asian diaspora. Now, he appears to be on the brink of yet another significant achievement: potentially delivering the highest-grossing Punjabi-language film to date.
His latest film, Sardaar Ji 3, a continuation of the popular horror-comedy franchise, has been making waves overseas. Released in select international markets, the film has resonated strongly with audiences, breaking box office records in countries with large Punjabi-speaking populations such as Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia. The combination of Dosanjh’s magnetic on-screen presence, sharp comedic timing, and the film’s unique blend of spooky and slapstick elements has contributed to its overwhelming success abroad.
Despite the film’s impressive international reception and growing financial success, there’s a notable and puzzling absence in its reach: India. Surprisingly, Sardaar Ji 3 has not been released in its home market, leaving over a billion potential viewers—including Dosanjh’s largest fanbase—unable to access the film. This restriction has led to considerable disappointment among fans and industry observers alike, who are questioning the reasons behind the film’s lack of domestic distribution.
The absence of an Indian release is even more surprising given Dosanjh’s standing as one of the most bankable and recognizable artists in Indian cinema. His previous films have drawn massive audiences in Punjab and other northern states, while his music frequently tops streaming charts across India. He has also made headlines for his crossover appeal, including a historic performance at the Coachella music festival and recent collaborations with global artists.
Industry insiders suggest that the decision not to release Sardaar Ji 3 in India could stem from political or regulatory complications, especially considering the growing tensions between regional film content and national regulatory policies. Others speculate that internal disputes between distributors and theater chains might have played a role. However, no official reason has been given by Dosanjh or his team regarding the film’s restricted release.
For fans in India, the frustration is palpable. Social media has been abuzz with messages from viewers eager to see the film, calling for its release and questioning the delay. Many point out that the film’s absence from Indian cinemas has also opened the door to piracy, as unauthorized versions circulate online among fans desperate to watch the movie.
Meanwhile, the film continues to perform strongly overseas. Early box office reports suggest that Sardaar Ji 3 could surpass all previous records for a Punjabi-language film if its momentum continues. For the Punjabi film industry, which has often struggled to gain recognition beyond regional and diaspora markets, this could mark a transformative moment—underscoring the genre’s global potential and commercial viability.
This situation also raises broader questions about the evolving nature of film distribution in an increasingly globalized world. With South Asian films now enjoying strong viewership in overseas markets thanks to streaming platforms and international releases, filmmakers are beginning to rethink their strategies. However, for a movie like Sardaar Ji 3, whose primary language and cultural context are deeply rooted in Punjab, being unavailable in India feels like a major oversight or, perhaps, a symptom of deeper challenges within the industry.
As of now, there is no official timeline for when or if the film will be released in India. Fans and industry stakeholders alike are waiting eagerly for news, hopeful that the film will soon be made available to Indian audiences who have long supported Dosanjh’s rise to stardom. Until then, Sardaar Ji 3 remains a film with enormous potential and record-breaking power—ironically inaccessible to the very audiences who helped build Diljit Dosanjh’s illustrious career.
